Turkey bowed out of the 2026 World Cup with pride restored after Kaan Ayhan’s dramatic 98th-minute winner secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts the United States in Los Angeles.
Although already eliminated following consecutive defeats to Australia and Paraguay, Vincenzo Montella’s side produced a spirited display to claim their first win of the tournament, while the United States suffered their first defeat ahead of the knockout rounds.
The Americans, who had already secured top spot in Group D and a place in the round of 32, made the perfect start when defender Auston Trusty headed home from a corner after just three minutes.
But Turkey, which had endured a frustrating campaign despite creating numerous chances in their previous matches, finally discovered the finishing touch that had deserted them throughout the tournament.
Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler brought Turkey level before Baris Yilmaz completed the turnaround, giving the Europeans a deserved lead before halftime.
The United States responded immediately after the restart as Sebastian Berhalter fired a low effort into the corner from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-2.
Mauricio Pochettino also handed Christian Pulisic a second-half return after the captain recovered from a calf injury. The AC Milan star nearly marked his comeback with a goal but saw his effort strike the post.
As the match appeared destined to end in a draw, Turkey produced one final moment of drama deep into stoppage time. Substitute Can Uzun delivered a dangerous cross-shot into the six-yard box, where Kaan Ayhan forced the ball over the line in the 98th minute to seal an emotional victory.
The result gives Turkey a positive ending to a disappointing World Cup campaign after they failed to score despite registering 62 shots across their first two matches.
For the United States, the defeat serves as a warning ahead of the knockout rounds. Despite topping Group D, Pochettino’s side now heads into the round of 32 seeking an immediate response when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina.
While the Americans continue their pursuit of World Cup glory on home soil, Turkey leave the tournament with renewed pride, proving that even an eliminated side can still produce one of the competition’s most dramatic moments.
